Models and Small-Scale Replicas: Form and Function Combined

While my husband and I were on our honeymoon in New York State, we found that one of our favorite dining experiences was at a privately-owned diner that we stumbled upon while on a scenic drive of the area where we were staying. However, to be honest, I remember little about the food itself. What made it so memorable was the model train that followed a track attacked to the ceiling.

It was so much fun just to watch and listen to--I suddenly understood why, in so many movies revolving around Christmas-time, the only gift the little boy truly longs for is a model train waiting for him in the morning.

But the usage and importance of models extends beyond a holiday bequest to an eager child. An accurate replica can help instruct and educate the general public about virtually any tangible object, which is most helpful when an original cannot be recovered or cannot be obtained.

For example, numerous art and history museums around the world have created "models," or replicas of ancient Egyptian mummies, designed and constructed carefully after the manner of the authentic ones shared throughout the scholarly community.

Models also allow an object to be broken down into its component so that children and adults alike can develop a better understanding of moving parts or to see more completely the artistic process involved in architecture, ritualistic processes like mummification, and so on.

It may be difficult to build a museum around a feudalistic-era castle and arrange for tours, but on the other hand, it is fairly reasonable to reconstruct a small-scale castle which allows kinesthetic learners to physically open the gate, lift the portcullis, and so forth. Teachers of virtually any subject directed toward any grade level can find great success in using models from time to time to demonstrate a concept.

As Hollywood seems to integrate such advanced technology, model-making becomes more and more of a valuable skill. Some images that dazzle us on the silver screen, which we are often convinced are entirely computer-generated, are in fact shots of models which stand at a grand total of three and a half feet from the ground. If you find yourself skeptical, be sure to revisit interviews with the technical crew of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Since my honeymoon, I have found myself developing a great appreciation for replicas of all kinds for their ability to convey knowledge, make history more accessible, and advance sculpture in a way I never imagined. They exist in countless forms and fields; I was recently shown at my university a model of an illuminated manuscript beside a preserved original. I could hardly tell the difference! It was truly amazing.

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If you are on a quest to find model collectibles of planes, trains, ships, carriages, and more, then you need to check out Models From Yesterday (modelsfromyesterday.com) for a huge selection of beautiful replicas plus dozens of books about their rich history. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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